When public shouts, politicians (sometimes) scramble

In January, Gov. Jerry Brown proposed to make key parts of California’s Public Records Act voluntary for local governments, a step that would gut one of the best tools the public has to learn what government agencies are up to. Brown said he was merely trying to save money because, by making certain requirements voluntary, the state would not have to reimburse local governments for the costs.

The U-T reported Brown’s proposal in February, but people didn’t get stirred up until this month, when a version of Brown’s proposal was approved by the Legislature. Then the stuff hit the fan. And now the politicians are falling all over themselves to undo what they did. The Assembly already reversed the earlier bill, the Senate was certain to do likewise, and Brown is certain to sign it.

In the end, the public’s right of access to documents might actually be strengthened because there is talk of further enshrining it all in the state Constitution.

All of which shows the public really does have a voice. And if it collectively shouts loud enough, the politicians will listen. Sometimes.